Louetta Tollison-Benton, Illinois

Louetta Tollison, age 89, of Benton, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Mrs. Tollison was born March 1, 1937, in Buckner, IL, the daughter of James Franklin Moss and Margaret Ann (Heacox) Moss. She married David Tollison on May 29, 1992, and he preceded her in death on December 5, 2019.

She retired after 46 years with Walmart in West City. She was also the former owner and operator of Lou’s Country Kitchen of Benton.

Louetta was a member of the Steel City Baptist Church and enjoyed attending and worshipping with her church family.

She enjoyed spending time taking care of her grandkids, baking pies, and cakes for her family. She had many requests at family get together and church dinners for her famous pineapple upside down cake.

Surviving is a daughter Jean Ann Williams and husband Stanley of Benton, IL, a son James “Red” Miller of Benton, IL, step-daughters Tracey Brewer and husband Mark of St. Louis, MO, Lisa Wagner and husband Scott of St. Louis, MO, fourteen grandchildren: Melissa “Missy” Miller of Mississippi, Stephanie Thompson and husband Dewayne of Mississippi, Johnny Miller, JR. of Mississippi, Shannon Stewart and husband Lex of Benton, IL, Leslee Miller of Benton, IL, Samantha Lampley of Benton, IL, Stanley “Bubby” Williams and wife Miranda of Benton, IL, Katie Cox and husband Ben of Benton, IL, Amanda Miller of Herrin, IL, Melinda Howe and husband David of St. Petersburg, FL, Sara Glenn and husband Mike of Phoenix, AZ, Jessica Miller of Benton, IL, Jack Miller, JR. and wife Heather of Stiritz, IL, Jasmin Teel and husband Shawn of Coello, IL, thirty great-grandchildren: Blake, Ashlynn, Justin, late Ava Grace, John Parker, Jace, Cami, Jayden, Cannon, Alex, Jon Jon, Landon, Carly, Bree, Laynee, Caden, Allie Jean, Wyatt, Waylon, Graham, Beckham, Bentley, Gage, Caden, Ryder, Easton, Jacynda, Jordy, Jeremiah, Jaxson, Adriana, two great-great-grandchildren Keaton and Josie and one on the way, a brother Jim Moss of Logan, IL, a sister Suzann Hudson of Garden City, MO, her cat Buddy, and several nieces and nephews, her many friends and co-workers from Walmart, and her special friend and hairdresser Janette Roule and husband Rudy, and her close dear friend Joyce Oakley.
She enjoyed the last two years of spending time with the new additions to the family, who always made her and those around her smile.

Mrs. Tollison was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons: John Alden Miller, JR., Jerry Allen Miller, Jack Ashley Miller, a brother Paul Ray Moss, sister-in-law Marilyn Moss, and a brother-in-law John Hopkins.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Joe Zbinden officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church Missions Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Louetta, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to say “Thank You” to the staff at Helia Healthcare for all your care and kindness shown to Louetta and family. Also, a “Thank You” to the Franklin Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois for the support shown through your heartfelt care and love given to Louetta and family. You made it possible for her to transition from this life to her Heavenly home with dignity.

Jean Ann and Jimmy especially want to express their gratitude to Shannon and Lex for their around-the-clock love shown and support of making sure Louetta was not alone showing her gratitude and love always.